NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AND REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has received a request to renew the Reclamation Plan Approval (J20262682RPA) for the Greens Creek Mine to address active disturbance, concurrent and final reclamation activities, and post-mining land use. This application renewal includes private and federal lands within the Admiralty Mining District near the city of Juneau.
This notice is pertaining to the Department’s review and adjudication of Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company’s (HGCMC) application renewal for their Reclamation and Closure Plan submission. These activities are subject to AS 27.19 (Reclamation), and Alaska Administrative Code, Title 11 (Natural Resources) and Chapter 97 (Mining Reclamation).
APPLICANT: HGCMC
PROJECT NAME: Greens Creek Mine
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Greens Creek, Admiralty Island
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
Section 36, Township 42 South, Range 65 East, Copper River Meridian
Sections 1-3, 10-15, 22-27, Township 43 South, Range 65 East, Copper River Meridian
Sections 25, 26, 29-33, Township 43 South, Range 66 East, Copper River Meridian
Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 22, Township 44 South, Range 65 East, Copper River Meridian
Sections 3-11, 13, 17, Township 44 South, Range 66 East, Copper River Meridian
REQUESTED ACTIVITY: Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company (HGCMC) is requesting to renew their current Reclamation Plan Approval. HGCMC Reclamation and Closure Plan outlines their strategy to restore disturbed land to safe, stable, near-natural conditions while meeting all federal and state regulatory requirements. The plan includes regrading and revegetation of disturbed areas, installing an engineered cover over the Tailings Disposal Facility (TDF), sealing mine portals, removing hazardous materials, and managing waste rock and tailings through underground placement or TDF disposal. Post-Closure monitoring focuses on water quality, erosion control, slope and cover stability, and vegetation success, with monitoring wells. Overall, the plan ensures long-term environmental protection, hydrologic stability, and ecological recovery of the mine site.
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: July 1, at 11:59 PM AKDT
This is a notice provided to the public and you are invited to comment on this activity. The purpose of this notice is to gather input before a decision is made on this activity. A request for additional information may be submitted to Kate Harper. To ensure consideration any person wishing to provide comments regarding this application may do so electronically via our public comment email, greenscreek.comments@alaska.gov. If you are unable to submit comments to this email, you may submit them in writing to ensure consideration. Written comments must be postmarked or received via mail by the Division of Mining, Land & Water – Office of Project Management and Permitting, 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1430, Anchorage, AK 99501 on or before 11:59 PM AKDT on July 1, 2026, directed to Kate Harper, Telephone (907) 269-5533.
After review and adjudication, we may issue an authorization with stipulations for the activity. The activity may be modified during the review and adjudication process.
DNR-DMLW complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services or special modifications to comment should contact Alaska Relay at 711 or 800-770-8973 for TTY services.
The DMLW reserves the right to waive technical defects in this notice.